Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
297. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department intends to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington in May 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commemorations Unit in my Department has responsibility for coordinating commemorative programming and ensuring that key historical events, themes and personalities are honoured and commemorated appropriately.
Commemorations are delivered through collaboration between the State, key project partners and stakeholders. This is always guided by expert and independent advice. Previously, this was from the Expert Advisory Group and now it comes from the Commemorations Advisory Committee, chaired by Bryan Dobson.
The 150th anniversary of the birth of Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington has been identified by the Commemorations Advisory Committee and other stakeholders as an important one and worthy of recognition. Her life is significant across a number of key areas in our history – the fight for independence, the history of Irish labour, the history of Irish women and their fight for rights and recognition.
The centenary of Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington’s birth is contained within the Programme for Government as a key anniversary for commemoration next year. My Department will work with our project partners to explore options for ensuring that this anniversary is remembered appropriately, within the established commemorations framework.
Our partners in the National Library plan a public engagement on the anniversary, based on their collection of her personal papers, although the exact form of this engagement is still to be finalised.
I would encourage interested individuals or groups who have ideas for the appropriate commemoration of her life to reach out to the commemoration’s coordinator of their local authority who develop and deliver commemorative programming with support from my Department.
